Rensselaer.MAG - September 1999

G. Doyle Daves, dean of science, has been named Rensselaer's interim provost. A search committee is being formed to identify and recommend candidates for a permanent provost. Daves, who will retire next year, joined the Rensselaer faculty in 1989 as dean of science and professor of chemistry. He received his undergraduate education at New Mexico Highlands University and Arizona State University. He received his Ph.D. in organic chemistry from MIT in 1964. "Dr. Daves' outstanding academic credentials, his clear-eyed judgment, and his thorough understanding of Rensselaer make him superbly qualified for the role," said President Jackson in making the appointment.

Sandra Nierzwicki-Bauer, professor of biology, has been appointed interim dean of science. A microbiologist, she joined the Rensselaer faculty in 1985 and has served as chair of the biology department since 1992. She became director of the Darrin Fresh Water Institute in 1993 and has increased its annual research program to $2 million. She has also been instrumental in the creation of the bioinformatics program and is one of the principal investigators in Rensselaer's NASA Center for the Study of the Origins of Life. Nierzwicki-Bauer will continue as director of the Darrin Fresh Water Institute.

John Salerno, associate professor of biology, was named acting chair of the biology department.

Peter Wayner '56, Distinguished Research Professor of Chemical Engineering, and Richard Smith, professor of mechanical engineering, have been named fellows of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. The fellow grade is conferred upon a member with at least 10 years active engineering practice who has made significant contributions to the field.

Simeon Komisar, clinical associate professor of environmental and energy engineering, received the 1999 David M. Darrin Counseling Award at Commencement '99. The award was established by David M. Darrin '40 to recognize a faculty member who has made an unusual contribution in the counseling of students. Selection is made by Phalanx, the student leadership honorary society.

Deborah Kaminski '73, associate professor of mechanical engineering and director of core engineering, was awarded the 1999 RAA Teaching Award at the Rensselaer Alumni Association's annual awards dinner during Reunion weekend. The award recognizes current members of the faculty for their outstanding teaching techniques, contributions to the campus experience, and commitment to students.

Kerry Quinn, associate athletics director, was honored with the 1999 Pillars of Rensselaer Award at the Employee Recognition dinner June 11. This is the highest award given a member of the Rensselaer staff. Quinn, a member of the Rensselaer community for 19 years, has served in a number of positions in the athletics department. She serves on the ECAC Women's Division III ice hockey executive committee and on the ECAC Division III lacrosse championship selection committee.

Toh-Ming Lu, the Ray Palmer Baker Distinguished Professor in Physics, was named co-director of the Semiconductor Research Corporation Center for Advanced Interconnect Science and Technology. He was already serving as associate director of CAIST. Lu will share leadership of the center with Shyam P. Murarka, the Elaine S. and Jack S. Parker Professor in Engineering, who will be on sabbatical for the fall 1999 semester. Lu joined the faculty in 1982 and served as chair of the Department of Physics, Applied Physics and Astronomy from 1992 to 1997. David Duquette, professor of metallurgical engineering, was named associate director of CAIST.

Raymond Caravaty '50, architect and professor emeritus at Rensselaer, died July 6. Caravaty was professor of architecture at Rensselaer 1953 to 1985 and was former director of the Center for Architectural Research. He received the Darrin Counseling Award, which recognizes a faculty member for outstanding contributions to students, in 1985. Caravaty had a general practice in architecture for 45 years in Massachusetts and New York. He served on the Pittsfield Planning Board, the State Building Code Commission, and the Technical Panel for the National Academy of Science. He was widely published. The Caravaty Scholarship has been established at Rensselaer.